Research topic: Historical cost versus fair value accounting for non-financial assets

The choice between fair value and historical cost accounting has been a widely debated issue in the

Accounting literature (Christensen & Nikolaev, 2013). However, the conceptual framework for

International financial reporting (hereafter the IASB Framework) does not prescribe a specific

Measurement base to account for the key elements in financial reports (the IASB Framework 2010).

Specific measurement methods for different accounting elements are provided in the specific

International financial reporting standards (IFRS). Unlike most other accounting standards, IFRS

Provides a free choice between fair value and historical cost accounting for the non-financial asset

groups: property, plant and equipment (PPE) (see IAS 16) and intangibles (see IAS 38). This has

resulted in variations in valuation practices for PPE and intangible assets.

Required

1. Refer to the current IASB Framework and IFRS 13 Fair Value measurements, briefly explain

the measurement concepts in relation to historical cost and fair value accounting.

2. Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using historical cost and fair value accounting for PPE

and intangibles, by reviewing accounting literature.

3. Identify valuation practices (in relation to the use of historical cost and fair value accounting)

for the following non-financial asset groups: PPE and intangibles, by reading the ‘accounting

policy’ sections of three listed companies’ 2014 annual reports.

Note: You are required to select one company listed on your home country’s stock exchange,

one company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, USA, and the third one is selected

from the Australian Securities Exchange.

4. Analyse if the valuation practices for PPE and intangibles are consistent across the three

companies.

5. What is your opinion on the free choice between historical cost and fair value accounting for

PPE and intangibles: should such free choice be continued in practice? Or should it be

abandoned? Justify your answer.

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